Jeffrey England, 45, of Empire, was arrested Friday morning after he snatched a grocery store customer’s purse and then fought the store loss prevention officer trying to stop him.

The crime at Cost Less Foods was reported at 8:49 a.m. A store loss prevention agent noticed England loitering outside of the exit doors. Two females left the store and walked to a car as England followed. As the women were putting groceries into the trunk, England grabbed one of the purses out of the shopping cart and ran. The loss prevention agent yelled out and chased England who dropped the purse and was tackled to the ground. England punched the agent in the face and ran off again as the agent gave chase again. England was tackled again and fought and bit the agent on the forearm. The loss prevention agent detained England and held him until the arrival of Officer Adam Hall. 

The purse was returned to the owner. England was arrested and booked on charges of theft and assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury.